A few minutes ago.
[Mana Explosion (Low)] was a basic spell anyone with the faintest bit of mana could use. Since people often learned it without guidance, it wouldn't be odd if he used the spell, quelling any suspicions Amara might have.
Despite the benefits, people rarely used it because it served no purpose. The explosion was too weak to be used in warfare and had no practical use, well, other than blowing leaves away from one's garden.
That's why Aaran picked that spell.
He knew his mother well. Regardless of her words, Amara didn't expect them to destroy the doll. The test was her way of knowing everyone's strength there. Just scratching the doll was enough to get her acknowledgement.
Seraphina would be the star of the show. That should get her off my back.
Seraphina was very competitive, even at her young age. Since she was one of the oldest students, she didn't want to be upstaged by anyone, especially not by Aaran.
Unfortunately, Aaran already upstaged her once by getting the obsidian locket, and if he did it again, she'd become unbearable. She might even begin stalking him to know how was he stronger than her, and that was the last thing he wanted.
There was a lot he needed to do in the academy, and getting anymore attention would hinder his plans. That's why he wanted to save face by scratching the doll while simultaneously shifting the attention to Seraphina, as she would definitely destroy it.
He looked back and noticed everyone was already focused on her. It was the right time to use the spell. No one would know what happened, and he'd pass the test.
Slowly he concentrated the mana into his hand, just like he did to manifest his core. However, he had to focus, not to leak any darkness, or it'd cause a blunder.
"Mana Explosion."
A faint ray of light shot out of his palm.
But something was wrong. The light got bigger and wider until the explosion shook the entire training hall.
The blast was too intense. Dust and debris flew everywhere, and when the smoke cleared, there was nothing left of the doll. Not even the stand.
But it didn't stop there. The explosion had blown a massive hole through the reinforced wall behind it.
Everyone in the room was silent, as if frozen in time.
No one knew what to say. Their mouths hung open as they stared at the massive hole and then at Aaran, who still had his hand raised to where the doll once was.
Amara was no different.
She had expected such a performance from Seraphina, not Aaran.
They were shocked, but Aaran was shocked the most. He had calculated everything carefully. His mana level, coupled with the spell level, couldn't possibly cause such an explosion. Yet he did… somehow.
It made no sense. Well, that was until Darius spoke.
"That's what I'm talking about! Tremble in fear, your bastards!" he exclaimed. "No need to thank me for the assist, little liege."
Dread… ask him what he did.
[…He's asking what did you do?]
"Haha, little liege must be speechless after my grand move," Darius replied, basking in glory. "The liege's mana was lacking a bit, so I fed all of my mana into the blast just before he released it. Now everyone must know the might of our household!"
Fucking IDIOT!
"What did he say?" Darius asked.
[It's better if you don't know.]
"Haha, he must be praising me. No need to for that, little liege. I did what I had to."
"…"
Aaran clenched his fists. He wanted nothing more than to strangle Darius at that moment.
The situation was bad. All his plans for lying low were thrown out if the hole Darius made. Slowly, Aaran looked over his shoulder, and sure enough, Seraphina was staring right at him.
However, her eyes didn't have the hostility Aaran expected. Instead, she looked… pleased. Was she happy her fiance was strong?
No. The Seraphina I know wouldn't be happy about something like that.
Yet, the more he looked at her, the happier she got… unlike a certain someone.
"Aaran Aurelia…" Amara said, walking up to him. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Upon looking at Amara's stern expression, Aaran could only lower his head. His mother was pissed, and Aaran knew a couple of reasons for her to be pissed.
It could be because she thought he was hiding his abilities from her, or because he did something he shouldn't have, like damaging property.
It was hard to tell with her.
But the next moment, she smiled and patted his head.
"You shouldn't have done something so unnecessary," she whispered.
"Eh?"
"Don't act clueless. I know you did it to shut them up," Amara nodded towards the nobles.
No… you got it all wrong!
Amara assumed Aaran outperformed everyone because of her. He had always loved her more than anyone. That's why when he saw strangers bullying her, he had to shut them all up. But in his anger, he lost control and caused an explosion.
That's the reason Amara came up with for his action.
"I would have cuddled you to death if we weren't in the class. But I will reward you later."
"…thank you, mother."
"Also, use your magic as you want. Just Don't poke your eyes out."
"I'll be vigilant."
Aaran could only accept Amara's version of the story, but then he realized something.
Could it be Seraphina thought the same, and that's why she was smiling?
Meanwhile, everyone else was intently staring at him. They had been wondering why Igor chose him, but after what happened, it made sense. Aaran was too strong for his age, perhaps even stronger than Seraphina.